LGBT Bar Association of NY | New York

COMMITTEES & SECTIONS

FAMILY & MATRIMONIAL LAW SECTION

Chair: Mark Hager

Vice Chair: Jonathan Latimer

The Family and Matrimonial Law Section is the first Section for LeGaL and represents an expansion of LeGaL’s committee-based structure. The FMLS offers members who practice, or have an interest in, family and matrimonial law a combination of resources, access to events, and discourse uniquely focused on the intersection of family and matrimonial law and the LGBTQ community. FMLS members have exclusive access to an online discussion group–the first-ever forum for LeGaL–in which LGBTQ-client-focused family and matrimonial law practitioners can connect and engage with one another.

SOLUTIONS FOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY & POLICY

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Chair: Justin Teres

LeGaL's Solutions for Legislative Advocacy and Policy ("SLAP") group pushes for the adoption of policies that protect the civil rights of LGBTQ New Yorkers.

IN-HOUSE CORPORATE COUNSEL COMMITTEE

Chair: Patrick MacMurray

Forum for counsel serving in-house at corporations. The committee promotes the professional interests of LGBT in-house counsel, conducts events for those interested in in-house counsel opportunities, liaisons with other organizations to foster best practices, and provides opportunities for LGBT in-house counsel to network and share resources.

LAW STUDENT COMMITTEE

Chair: Jeff Becherer

Promote the active participation of the law student community in the work of LeGaL. This committee will ensure that LeGaL is engaged with the law student community, enhance interaction with LGBT affinity groups at area law schools, assist with LeGaL programs impacting the law student community and organize networking and social events for LGBT law students while promoting networking and mentoring among law students and practicing attorneys.

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Co-Chair: Janice Grubin, Michael Weiner

Vice Chair: Pamela Goldsmith

Oversee LeGaL screening panels that evaluate candidates for judicial office and provide ratings; recruit and select designees to serve on judicial screening panels of other organizations; promote the interests of members of the LGBT community interested in serving within the judiciary; liaison with the judicial community and promote the advancement of judges dedicated to equality and full representation of the LGBT legal community.

NETWORKING & SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE

Chair: Nicholas Corsano

Organize social and networking events for LeGaL members and, in conjunction with other organizations, promote a sense of community among members while expanding professional and social networks.

PARTNERS GROUP

Chair: Joe Evall

Forum for partners in large law firms and with corporate/institutional clients to network and share experiences and ideas; promote LGBT friendly policies within the law firm community; promote recruiting and mentoring of LGBT associates; work to improve the prospects of LGBT lawyers interested in serving on the bench and sponsor events of interest to large law firm community.

PUBLIC INTEREST LAW COMMITTEE

Chair: Anthony Perrotto

The Public Interest Law Committee is made up of the LGBT not-for-profit legal services community, governmental attorneys and judges, academics, and attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities and public interest work. The PILC is also working to launch LeGaL’s new Leadership Council for law firms and companies to take on innovative pro bono projects.

DIVERSITY COMMITTEE

Chairs: Bill Crosby & Robert Maldonado

The Diversity Committee is dedicated to working collaboratively toward creating and maintaining diversity within LeGaL; advocating for diversity in the organization’s activities and services; inviting and encouraging participation and involvement of individuals with diverse backgrounds, as well as institutions that seek the same; raising awareness of the diversity within the LGBT community through programs and activities; and strengthening the support provided to LeGaL members and the wider LGBT community by promoting inclusiveness, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious, and economic diversity.